DR Congo troops retake Goma as rebels demand talks

Congolese troops have returned to Goma as the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo re-established control of the key city.

Report By Euronews

Under a regionally brokered deal the M23 rebel movement pulled its fighters out but warned they would retake it if the government fails to meet their demands within 48 hours.

The rebels left Goma eleven days after seizing it and the city of Sake vowing to topple DR Congo President Joseph Kabila.

Their retreat back to a 20 kilometre buffer zone is dependent upon the start of negotiations with the government and the release of political prisoners.

On the whole locals in Goma and Sake have been glad to see the back of the rebels.

“I’m very happy to see government forces in the city. M23 were harassing civilians and killed two people that I saw with my own eyes. I’m happy to see the soldiers back in the city and hope everything will be ok,” said one Sake resident.

Meanwhile a UN document has raised fresh allegations that neighbouring Rwanda is fuelling ethnic tensions in the country supplying rebels with troops and weapons.